I'd like for USAT&F to hire a top notch PR/marketing firm to study and make some serious recommendations on how to save the sport. It would need to be a no holds barred/everything's on the table type of study. If that means cutting events, marketing athlete's differently, whatever, seeking new media outlets... I'd love to hear what the professionals would recommend.
Here is what is needed for a sport to be successful in America:
(1) - Interest - Believe it or not people do like track and field. It is a fact that in HS more people participate in T&F than any other sport. If you participate you have some sort of enjoyment...we need to re spark it.
(2) - Media Interest/ Length of Meets - To make a sport popular media must be involved. Track is basically an underground sport. It is on the same level (media wise) as volleyball, downhill skiing and womens soccer. Sadly this will not change until we do a few things. Follow the next few points.
(2a) - Shorten the Meet - Lets get realistic, 8 hours at a track meet (for 1 day out of 4) it WAY WAY WAY to long. No media outlet, or casual fan on their best track days will want to attend this. Boston Indoor Games are sold out every year and filled with all walks of life because its mid day and 2 hours long. Its a real sporting event. I am not sure how to accomplish this but I do know that there should be less than 5 minutes between events and I would lean to less than 3. Track meets need to be a rapid fire sporting event with runners always on the move. I see no reason why this meet should be more than 2 days. Trials, finals BOOM! If this hurts doubles then SAC UP and do it. You can easily have a track meet in 3 hours (without including the decathlon have it in the morning and cut your losses)
(2b) - Have all the stars involved - HOw was golfs ratings with out tiger...the answer is VERY VERY BAD. The same goes for T&F. The fact that most of our true stars didnt run only hurts the media interest. World Championship rules need to change and everyone every year needs to qualify. This would spark more interest and keep the drama factor high. If you win the Super Bowl does that mean you get an automatic birth to the playoffs. NO. But it does in track and that kills media interest.
(2c) - When brodcasted on TV have it on tape delay and only show events that spark interest. What does the public want to see and what do we not want to see. T&F is unique because the athletes are faster and can jump higher than another sport. SOOOOOOOOOOO show all sprints, mens and womens (this includes the 400). Show the full mile (everyone can relate because at some point everyone has run a mile). Show the tail end of distance events (last 2 laps)if exciting and Show unique and impressive field events but only the winning jumps or throws. Unless drama has been built up and you can show that lead in (hence the beauty of tape delay and choosing the coverage)no one will care about 3 place throws or jumps. The final thing is only show HOT WOMEN or VERY impressive long or high jumps. I am sorry but sex sells and most throwers do not fit this bill so dont show them. Why is volleyball popular, Danica Patrick or Womens Volleyball. THEY ARE HOT!!Deal with the reality.
(2d) - For spectators Oregon Does not Work - Every major sport that is successfully attended in the country is located near a major international airport. Logistics is an issue and needs to be a real consideration. No one wants to drive 2+ hours from Portland to Eugene. The local airport is horrid and doesnt cater to major airlines and is hard to get to. Not to mention the price. Alcohol is a must for success, i know it sounds weird but drunk people are happy people and happy people are more likely to return. Plus a loud rowdy crowd is fun.
Thats my 2cents